If you've successfully maintained, post here

Most of the posts on this forum are posted by people who have regained, and are needing help to get back on track.  I think it might be helpful to have all those people who have been successful, either continuously since WLS, or in losing regained weight, including what tactics they used.  What do you think?  I myself would love to know what you all have done. Betsy

I hit my goal of 135 in Dec '06 and I've maintained a weight of 125 to 132 since then.  My main tactic has been exercise.  I concentrate on lifting weights mostly.  I also weigh myself at least once a week and if I'm at my high end (130-132) at the wrong time of the month, I keep a close eye on my food intake for a week or so until I'm more comfortably back in the center.  Also if I'm at the low end I tend to get sick so I keep a close eye on that as well.

Hey Betsy,

I had my gastric bypass surgery in August of 2005. I reached goal (lost 100 pounds) in 11 months and have maintained for the past year and one-half. My main thing is to weigh at least 3-4 times a week and to stay within a three pound range.  Here are some of the things I do to maintain: 1.  I eat the 100 calorie packets of the things I know I should not have (Oreo cookies, Sour Cream crackers, Kettle popcorn - all the carb stuff). 2.  I try to stay away from the white stuff (potatoes, rice, etc.) 3.  I eat sugar free sweets. 4.  I get in all my protein every day. 5.  I exercise as often as my job and raising a 3 & 4 year old grandchildren will allow me (sometimes they are my exercise) 6. I gave up soda  - I might have one once every six months. 7.  I take my vitamins every day. 8.  I keep myself hydrated... drink, drink, drink.... 9.  Everything in moderation - I really do not deny myself anything - I keep portion control in check - and only do the real naughty stuff on occasion. 10. When I travel, I make sure I take my protein with me (I love Hot Coco and Power Crunch Bars). 11. I pray that God will continue to bless me with the return of my health (I was an out of control diabetic before surgery and I was a self-pay.) 12. I keep reminding myself that I spent way too much money to lose my health and regain all that weight. 13. I keep in contact with local support groups and of course our OH family. Hope this helps... I certainly am not perfect and deal with the carb demons on a daily basis. If I had to use just one word, it would be MODERATION. Thanks, Sharon 235 - 135

I'm two years two months post op and have been at my personal goal since 7 1/2 months.  I was considered a lightweight...I continued to loose and have maintained my weight between 119-122 for 15months.  What I do... I weigh myself everyday...I know the scales do flucuate (SP)  but if I go over 125 then I regroup, this has only happened once.   I make sure I get in my protein, I eat till I am full. I try to eat three balanced meals with no snacks in between.  I also get in all my fluids.  I am not real good at excercise. I need to change that. I don't deprive myself of anything....I no longer want coke, sweets are something of the past.  If I do have a sweet tooth it is just a bite or two of something and that takes care of my needs.   I think keeping a positive attitude has really helped me plus I made a promise to so many that I would not allow myself to go back to old habits.  Those that believed in me the most I don't want to let down, that is ME first....then the others fall in behind.

I posted this on another board a  week or so ago to a similar question... These are the reasons I feel successful. (Although not perfect) :) ~Admitting to myself that WLS is a tool and I still have an eating disorder
~Allowing myself what I want without over indulging
~Forgiving myself for over indulging
~Asking for help from WLS peeps when I need it...Civilians have NO clue
~Allowing myself a reasonable fluctuating weight with a cap weight gain and NEVER going above it...run like hell if I do! No really...RUN!!!! Sneakers and all!
~Working out harder the day after the bad choice days...
~Buying healthy food and putting all my love into cooking it and serving it to my family
~Never buying bad foods that will tempt me nor stock them in my house
~Always have a few healthy snacks for those sneak "snack attacks" (But never stock up on too many and be tempted to try them all...in one sitting)
~Have a mental daily meal plan two or more days in advance
~Always remind myself to go back to the basics when things don't feel right
~Pouch RULES!!!!  They really work and they mean it!!!!!
~Carbs are not our friends no matter how sweet they look. Fruits/ veggies/whole grains not included (Those are our friends)
~Eat five different color fruit, veggies a day for a rainbow of vitamins
~Enjoy my second chance at health...happiness and life and know it is a blessing
that I could throw away by giving up....so don't give up!
~Drink drink drink water ...all day long drink water til you grow gils....

Anita PS...I say it all the time in posts and someone else just said it too...MODERATION is the main key when breaking any rules!  :)

Oh bless you!!! I have been learning to maintain and have been for a few months now!  Thank you ... maintaining is somthing new I have never learned. Gaining...knew how ........ losing... had that down... but one weight ?? WOW So thank you for the post... it meant SOOO much to me! Hugs

Betsy, I lost to goal in 9 months, and for the post part have been successful maintaining below my goal of 130 lbs.  I did see a slight gain to 134.9 a couple of months ago realized I was threading on water and regrouped....this is what I find works best for me. 1) follow the pouch rules 2) use fitday faithfully to actually see what I'm eating 3) weigh every day 4) know that I'm human and I'll have good days and bad days, what I have to do is balance myself out and keep in mind that 95% of the time I do what I committed to do. In 2 days I'll have my 3 year anniversary, the fear of regain is real and something I am afraid of, however, if I continue to be diligent in the rules I feel I'll stay in control........can't be lax because that is when we are denying to ourselves that food is an addiction and always will.

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply to my post.  I'm being given a second chance to make it work (having RESTORe procedure next week), and am taking this opportunity to get my head on straight about what to do.  And who better to get advice from than those who have been successful maintainers.  I had RNY in May 2003, lost 120 lbs (goal) in less than a year, and maintained that quite easily until a few months after my 2 year anniversary.  I was one of those high and mighty ones who said "120 lbs lost forever!  I know it was a combination of things, but I do believe regaining a voracious appetite was the biggest culprit.  Before the return of my appetite, I had eaten very small portions/meals.  Also, allowing more and more carbs back into my life, when I had previously been very careful - just a bite here and a bite there - escalated and brought the carb monster back into my life.  I think it just snowballed from there, up to a 45 lb gain from my lowest weight.   I have felt powerless to stop it.  A few months ago, an upper GI and endoscopy revealed I had a dilated stoma, which hopefully will be fixed next week.  So here I go again with another chance to change my habits and be successful at this weight loss thing.  I want you all to know I've started a list of all the things you all do to maintain, and will keep it posted and even carry it with me as motivation.  I'm also hoping that two weeks of a full liquid diet phase (just like post-WLS) will help me get started - kind of like the 5 Day Pouch Test. Again, thanks to all *****sponded.  My wish for you is to have continued success with your maintenance.  Never let down your guard. Hugs, Betsy

I'm only 18 months so I can't offer much advice, but I want to thank all those *****sponded to your post. It helps people like me. :)

i had surgery in sept 05. i started at 288 and i've maintained my weight for 9 months and actually have lost about 8lbs in the last 8 weeks.  today i weighed 129.  i journal my food everyday and have since i was 2 months post.  i think it really keeps me accountable.  i also think a balanced diet including healthy carbs and fats is important.